Knife scabbard or holder

ABSTRACT

A knife scabbard including a sharpening device mounted on a pivoted carrier member which is arranged within the scabbard so as to move the sharpening device towards and away from one side wall of the scabbard, and biasing structure urging the carrier member about its pivot towards that side wall. A latch member is connected to the carrier member adjacent to the sharpening device so as to be engaged by a knife blade as it is inserted into the scabbard, and when so engaged the latch member reacts between the carrier member and the aforementioned scabbard side wall to create a force on the carrier member opposing the influence of the biasing structure, at least during initial insertion of the knife blade into the scabbard. The latch member also defines two guide surfaces that are located on respective sides of a knife blade inserted into the scabbard, so as to resist excessive lateral tilting movement of that blade relative to the sharpening device.

United States Patent [1 1 Bayly Nov. 27, 1973 KNIFE SCABBARD OR HOLDER Primary Examiner Donald G. Kelly [75] Inventor: Peter Kingsley Bayly, Attorney-Charles E. Brown et al.

Greensborough, Australia [73] Assignee' Wiltshire Cutlery Company [57] ABSTRACT A knife scabbard including a sharpening device 21225: Lumted vlctona mounted on a pivoted carrier member which is arranged within the scabbard so as to move the sharpen- [22] Filed: Dec. 10, 1971 ing device towards and away from one side wall of the scabbard, and biasing structure ur ing the carrier [21] Appl' 206724 member about its pivot towards that s ide wall. A latch member is connected to the carrier member adjacent [30] Foreign Application Priority Data to the sharpening device so as to be engaged by a Dec 24, 1970 Australia 3,596/70 knife blade as it is inserted into the Scabbard, and when so engaged the latch member reacts between the 52 us. Cl 51/204, 30/138, 51/214 eertiet member and the aforementioned Seehhetd Side 51 Int. Cl. B24b 3/54 Well to eteate a feree en the carrier member Opposing [58] Field of Search 51/204, 214; 30/138 the influehee ef the biasing Stmeture, at least during initial insertion of the knife blade into the scabbard. 5 References Cited The latch member also defines two guide surfaces that UNITED STATES PATENTS are located on respective sides of a knife blade inserted into the scabbard, so as to resist excessive lateral tilting movement of that blade relative to the 3:676:96l 7 1972 Jackson 51 214 Sharpenmg 11 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures Patented Nov. 27, 1973 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Patented Nov. 27, 1973 3,774,350

5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Nov. 27, 1973 3,774,350

5 Sheets-Shoot 3 Patented Nov. 27, 1973 5 Sheets-Shoot 5 KNIFE SCABBARD' .OR HOLDER and for convenience willbe hereinafter described in:.re-

lation to knives of the kind used in an ordinary household for carving meat for example. lt is tobe'understood however, thatthe invention is also applicable "to other types of knives, irrespective of whether'they are used in the home or industry.

The present invention provides an improvement over the scabbard or holder constructions according to U.S. a e grliea i nfl sr-lflq- 21 81 fils iathqi m Dennis Bibby Jackson on Apr. 6, I970, now *U.S. Pat. No. 3,676,961 granted July I8, 1972, and has 'fOl'lltS principal object toprovide. such a scabbard or holder construction in which pressure is positively maintained between a knifeblade and the sharpening device. In the aforementioned prior constructions, it is possible to hold the knife blade out of engagement with the sharpening device during insertionv and withdrawal simply' by restraining the blade against the action of the pressure means. I

It is a further object of the invention to provide a knife scabbard including a sharpening device, in which the sharpening device is mounted on a pivotalcarrier member which is biased in a direction such that the biasing force acts through the support member to urge the sharpening device against the cutting edge of a knife blade inserted into the scabbard It is still a further object of the invention ,toprovide a knife scabbard as described in the preceding paragraph in which a latch member is pivotally mounted on the carrier member and is arranged to react between the carrier member and a wall of the scabbard so as to create a force opposing the influence of the biasing means, at least during initial insertion of a knife blade into the scabbard.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a knife scabbard including a sharpening device mounted on a pivoted carrier member which is arranged to move the sharpening device towards and awayfrom one side wall of the scabbard, biasing means urging the carrier member towards that side wall, and guide means arranged to support substantially thefull depth of that part of the knife blade which is at any time located within the entrance part of. the scabbard. In a preferred form, the guide means fronts part of a reaction member arranged to reduce the longitudinally directed force necessary to insert a knife blade into the scabbard against the influence of the biasingmeans.

A further object of the invention is to provide a knife scabbard including a sharpening device which is con structed so as to facilitate cleaning and maintenance of the sharpening device. I p

The following description refers inm'ore detail to these essential features and further optionalfeaturesof the invention. To facilitate an understanding ofthe invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings where these features are illustrated in preferred components before insertion of a knife blade into the scabbard;

FIG; 2 ;is a view similar to FIG. 1 but showing the sharpening device carrier in section and the relative positions of the major components after insertion of a knife blade (not shown) intothe scabbard;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III- III of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged front'elevational view of the scabbard shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged transverse cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged transverse cross-sectional view taken along line VIVI of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged transverse crosssectional view taken along line VIIVII of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the front portion of the scabbard showing a knife blade just being inserted into the scabbard;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 2 but on a reduced scale, showing a knife blade almost fully inserted into the scabbard;

- FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 8 but showing the knife blade being withdrawn from the scabbard;

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the lower part of the scabbard showing the first operation in its release from an associated mounting;

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 showing the scabbard partially removed from its mounting;

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the scabbard when completely removed from its mounting and showing the biasing spring released from the carrierto allow removal of the carrier from the main housing of the scabbard; and

FIG. 14 is a view similar, to FIG. 13 but showing the carrier partially removed from the housing.

As with the prior constructions, the scabbard or holder includes a hollow housing 2 having a passage 3 therein for receiving a knife blade 4 (see FIGS. 8, 9 and 10) and being adapted to protect the cutting edge 5 of the blade 4 while the knife is stored awaiting use.

, Means as hereinafter described may be provided for seform. It is to be understood however, that the essential during the housing 2 to a bench, wall, cupboard, or other'fixture. The housing passage 3 is open at one end to receive theknife blade 4 and may be closed at the other end by an end wall 6. of the housing. It is further preferred that the housing passage 3 is elongated and has a greater height than width.

For convenience of description, the end of the scabbard through which the knife blade 4 is received will be hereinafter referred to as the front end of the scabbard. Thus, the relative terms front and rear, or words of similar import, as used throughout this specification are to be construed in relation to the front and rear ends of the scabbard.

Similarly, the words upper and lower, or words of-similar import, as used throughout this specification are to be construed in relation to the upper and lower (cutting) edges of the knife blade 4. In this regard, the scabbard of the invention will be hereinafter described as arranged to hold a knife blade 4 with its cutting edge 5 lowermost. It is to be realized however, that the scabbard can be mounted to support the knife blade 4 in any desired position, such as upright or on its side.

In the preferred form shown in the accompanying drawings, the scabbard housing 2 includes two side walls 7, an'upper wall 8 and a lower wall 9 which cooperate to define the knife receiving passage 3. The aforementioned walls are preferably longer than the knife blade 4 to be contained within the passage 3 so as to provide complete protection for the blade cutting edge 5, and the rear end of the passage 3 is completely closed by a rear wall 6 although that is not essential.

The sharpening device 11 is mounted on or within the housing 2 so as to be movable towards and away from the upper wall 8, and pressure means 10 acts on the sharpening device 11 through a carrier 12 as hereinafter described so as to normally urge the sharpening device 11 towards that upper wall 8. The arrangement is such that the upper wall 8 of the housing 2, or at least a portion thereof, serves as a reaction surface which the upper edge 13 of the knife blade 4 normally engages during insertion and withdrawal. In the preferred arrangement shown in the drawings, the knife blade 4 reacts with the front end portion of the upper wall 8 through a reaction member 13 which is constructed and arranged as hereinafter described.

In the preferred form shown, the carrier 12 includes an elongated body which extends lengthwise of the scabbard passage 3 and is pivotally connected to the housing 2 at a rear end portion and supports the sharpening device 1 l at a front end portion. The pivotal connection may be effected in any suitable manner, but conveniently includes a part-cylindrical rib 14 extending transversely across the body of the carrier 12 and projecting upwardly to cooperate at its opposite end portions with curved recesses 15 formed in respective side walls 7 of the housing 2. The recesses 15 open downwardly to receive the rib l4, and their respective upper surfaces are curved substantially complementary to the rib curve so as to act as journal surfaces. The pressure means 10 preferably acts between the lower wall 9 of the housing 2 and the carrier 12 as hereinafter described so as to releasably retain the pivot rib 14 against the curved journal surfaces of the recesses 15. Instead of a single rib 14, two separate rib portions may be provided on opposite sides respectively of the carrier 12, each of which cooperates with a respective one of the curved journal surfaces.

The carrier 12 is arranged so that the pivot rib 14 is located adjacent the rear wall 6 of the housing 2, and the sharpening device 1 1 is located directly beneath or adjacent the front end of the housing upper wall 8. Also, the dimensions of the carrier 12 are related to those of the scabbard passage 3, so that the carrier 12 is adapted for free pivotal movement within that passage.

The carrier 12 shown in the drawings includes front and rear sections 16 and 17 respectively joined by two laterally spaced side walls 18. The rear section 17 includes or defines the pivot rib l4, and the front section 16 supports the sharpening device 1 l. The side walls 18 form part of guide means as hereinafter described for guiding a knife blade 4 through the hou sing passage 3, and the reaction member 13 is preferably pivotally mounted between those walls adjacent or within the front section 16.

In a preferred form as shown, the reaction member 13 includes a reaction bar 19 arranged to be directly above the sharpening device 11 in the upper rest position of the carrier 12 (see FIG. 1 When the carrier 12 is in that rest position, the side edge portions of the bar 19 rest on the upper surface of the carrier12. The bar 19 is connected to a pair of mounting flanges 21 through two laterally spaced arms 22, and a guide slot 23 is defined between the arms 22 and flanges 21. The slot 23 is aligned with the space between the carrier side walls 18 and the flanges 21 locate between the side walls 18 and provide a pivotal mounting for the reactionmember 13. That is, each of the flanges 21 is pivotally connected to a respective side wall 18 of the carrier 12 for movement about a common axis extending substantially parallel to the axis of the carrier pivot rib 14. The arrangement is such that the bar 19 and a rod-like section form only interconnection between the two side parts of the reaction member 13, each of which parts is formed by one flange 21 and an arm 22. As will be seen from FIGS. 3 and 6, the preferred form of the pivot mounting of each flange 21 includes a boss 24 made integral with the flange 21 and rotatable within a bore in the adjacent side wall 18. Preferably, the width of the slot 23 is substantially the same as the spacing between the carrier side walls 18, in which case each flange 21 is set in a suitable recess 25 (see FIG. 3) formed within the inside surface of the adjacent side wall 18 of the carrier 12.

According to the form shown in the drawings, the front section 16 of the carrier 12 has a cavity 26 (see FIG. 3) therein containing the sharpening device 11. The sharpening device 11 is pivotally mounted by means of bosses 27 (see FIG. 5) within the cavity 26 for movement about an axis extending substantially parallel to the pivotal axis of the carrier 12, and stops are preferably provided to limit the degree of that pivotal movement. In the form shown, the stops are formed by abutments 28 and 29 on side walls of the cavity 26, and one of those side walls may be removable to enable ready replacement or repair of the sharpening device The sharpening device 11 may be of any appropriate construction, but in the preferred form shown in the drawings, includes a pair of cutting or abrading elements 31 arranged in crossed relationship to define a V-shaped sharpening recess 32. The elements 31 may be made from a relatively hard metal such as tungsten carbide, or an abrasive material, and are preferably molded within a support block 33 of a plastics material. The pivot bosses 27 of the sharpening device 11 may be also molded within or formed integral with the support block 33.

It is further preferred that a cushion spring 34 as shown is provided to cushion forward and rearward pivotal movement of the sharpening device 11, and in the form shown the spring 34 is a leaf spring depending from the support block 33. The spring 34 may be of metal and secured in any appropriate manner to the support block 33, or it may be of plastics material and formed integral with that block. The cushion spring 34 is engageable with either one of a pair of reaction surfaces 35 and 36 of the carrier member 12 according to whether it is moving forward or rearwardly, and that engagement occurs prior to the sharpening device 11 reaching the extent of its forward or, rearward movement as the case may be, and the spring 34 is preferably inoperative during an intermediate part of the sharpening device movement.

It" is preferable to have the sharpening device 1 1 in its forwardmost position about the pivot thereof, when a knife blade 4 is initially inserted into the housing passage 3, and that may be achieved in any one of several ways. For example, the cushion spring 34 (or some other part of the sharpening devce 1 1) may be snap engageable with a suitable retainer (not shown) when the sharpening device 11 reaches its rearmost position during withdrawal of a blade 4 from the scabbard. Altematively, the end of the cushion spring 34 remote from the support block 33 may be secured to the carrier 12 to provide the required bias.

According to the preferred arrangement shown in the drawings, the pressure means includes an elongated leaf spring positioned between the carrier 12 and the housing lower wall 9, and extending lengthwise of the scabbard passage 3. The term leaf spring is to be interpreted broadly to embrace a spring made from a plate or wire, and in the latter case it may include a single spring bar or two such bars 37 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) extending side by side and preferably joined at one end. Preferably, the spring 10 is anchored at one end of the housing lower wall 9 and slidably engages the undersurface of the carrier body 12 adjacent its opposite end, although equally satisfactory results may be obtained with the spring 10 anchored to the carrier 12 and slidably engaging the housing lower wall 9. Furthermore, the spring 10 may be arranged to function as required with both end portions anchored to the same or different parts of the assembly.

Means for anchoring the spring 10 in thefirst described and preferred arrangement which is shown in the drawings, includes an opening 38 formed through the housing lower wall 9 adjacent the front end thereof, and a locking recess 39 fromed in the under-surface of the lower wall 9 forwardly of the opening 38. An upwardly turned end portion 41 of the spring 10 locates within the recess 39, and in its operative position the spring 10 extends through the opening 38 and is flexed so as to bear firmly against upper and lower surfaces of the housing lower wall 9 in zones located rearwardly and forwardly respectively of the opening 38. The arrangement is such that the upturned end portion 41 of the spring '10 can be pulled clear of the, locking recess 39 so that the spring 10 may be slid longitudinally out of the housing 2 through the opening 38 in the lower wall 9.

The spring 10 preferably slopes or is curved upwardly and rearwardly from the lower wall opening 38 so ast'o engage the under-surface of the carrier 12 adjacent the pivoted end thereof and slopes or curves downwardly from that zone of engagement. A downwardly depend ing retaining rib 42 is formed at each longitudinal side of the carrier 12 so as to limit lateral movement of the spring 10 and thereby maintain it in engagement with the carrier 12. If the spring 10 comprises two laterally spaced bars 37 or lengths of wire as is shown in the drawings, a single downwardly projecting rib or lug located between those bars37 will generally be suflicient. A further opening 43 is provided through the housing lower wall 9 adjacent the rear end thereof so as to enable the rear end 44 of the spring 10 to be pulled downwards away from the carrier 12 as shown in FIG. 13. Without the biasing influence of the pressure spring 10, the carrier 12 is able to drop towards direction of arrow D (FIG. 14), thereby avoiding the necessity of first pulling the spring 10 downwardly as previously described.

Guide means is preferably provided to keep the knife blade 4 in alignment with the sharpening device 1] during movement through the scabbard passage 3. In the illustrated embodiment, such means includes the upstanding side walls 18 of the carrier 12 which extend rearwardly of the sharpening device 11. The base surface 45 of a recess 46 defined within the carrier section 16 and located forwardly of the sharpening device 1 l, conveniently curves or slopes downwardly and forwardly from the sharpening device 11 so as to facilitate entry of the knife blade 4 into the scabbard in all pivotal positions of the carrier 12. The side surfaces 47 of the recess 46 also forms part of the guide means and may diverge upwardly and outwardly for at least part of their depth to facilitate initial insertion of a knife blade 4. Preferably, the guide passage defined between the side walls 18 extending between the carrier sections 16 and 17 is open along both the top and bottom therof. A base or bottom wall may be provided, but it is preferably omitted as a knife blade 4 can be caused to bear against such a base so as to reduce the pressure acting between the blade 4 and the sharpening device 11, and thereby reduce the sharpening effect.

As previously mentioned, the reaction bar 19 overlies the sharpening device 11 when the carrier 12 is in its upper rest position. In that position of the bar 19 the front edge 48 thereof preferably slopes rearwardly and downwardly (see FIG. 1) to facilitate initial entry of a knife blade 4 between the bar 19 and the sharpening device 11. The reaction member slot 23, arms 22 and flanges 21 also form part of the aforementioned guide means.

Means may be also provided for releasably mounting the scabbard housing 2 on a support 50 (see FIGS. 11 and 12) such as a wall or bench. In the form shown in the drawings, that mounting includes a plate-like member 49 adapted to be secured to the support by screws 60 or any other suitable fastening means, and having retaining means thereon for releasable engagement with cooperating retaining means of the housing 2. The retaining means includes front and rear abutments which cooperate with corresponding abutments of the housing 2 to hold the housing against longitudinal movement relative to the mounting plate 49, and a detent releasably securing the housing 2 against upward separation from the mounting plate 49. In addition, a pair of laterally spaced and upstanding side walls '51 are provided on the mounting plate 49 so as to hold the housing 2 against substantial lateral movement relative thereto when the housing 2 and mounting plate 49 are combined in assembly. Each side wall 51 of the mounting plate 49 may be receivable within a recess 52 in the outer surface of the respective housing side wall 7, and the'outer side surfaces of the housing 2 and mounting member walls 51 may be substantially flush or stepped relative to each other as desired.

In the illustrated embodiment, the front pair of retaining abutments includes a forwardly directed shoulder 53 formed on the under-surface of the lower wall 9 of the housing 2, and an opposed surface 54 of a lug,

- rib, or shoulder 55 upstanding from the mounting plate 49. Both of the abutment surfaces 53 and S4 slope upwardly and forwardly to assist in providing a wedging action in the retained position of the housing 2.

The rear pair of retaining abutments of the illustrated embodiment, include a lug 56 attached to the plate 49 and being locatable within an aperture 57 extending through the lower wall 9 of the housing 2 at or adjacent its junction with the housing rear wall 6, so as to engage the forwardmost wall edge or surface 58 defining the aperture 57. Alternatively, the lug 56 may be located within the lower wall opening 43 which allows access to the carrier spring 10, in which case the lug 56 cooperates with the front edge of that opening. Preferably, the front surface 59 of the lug 56 slopes upwardly and forwardly as shown to over-hang part of the housing lower wall 9 and thereby prevent direct upward separation of the rear end of the housing 2 from the mounting plate 49. That angular arrangement also facilitates location of the lug 56 within the housing aperture 57. An upstanding rear wall 61 is also provided on the mounting plate 49 to engage the lower edge of the housing rear wall 6. i

The retaining detent of the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings includes a catch plate 62 fomiing a lower front wall of the housing 2 and which is attached to the lower wall 9 and separated from the side walls 7. In the form shown, an upwardly directed shoulder 63 is formed on the front surface of the catch plate 62 intermediate the height thereof, and is adapted to cooperate with the under-surface 64 of a detent bar 65 extending between the side walls 51 of the mounting member and spaced from the base plate 49 thereof. The catch plate 62 is arranged to flex about its zone of connection 66 with the housing lower wall 9 so as to be movable rearwardly to effect release of the shoulder 63 and bar 65 as shown in FIG. 1 l. A forwardly projecting push button element 67 is provided at the upper end of the catch plate 62 and is located above the detent bar 65 to be engageable to cause release movement of the catch plate 62 relative to the detent bar 65.

In the preferred embodiment according to the drawings, a forwardly facing surface 68 projects downwardly from the housing upper wall 8 adjacent its rear end so as to provide a knife blade stop which prevents the knife from being inserted too deeply into the scabbard. Furthermore, downward movement of the carrier. 12 relative to the housing 2, is .limited by a front wall 69 of the carrier 12, the lower edge or surface of which is engageable with the housing lower wall 9.

It is also preferred that a chamber 71 is defined beneath the sharpening device 11 to collect swarf produced during sharpening operations. That swarf should desirably fall clear of the sharpening device 11 to avoid clogging. The chamber 71 is defined between the front wall 69 of the carrier 12 and another transverse wall 72 thereof which separates the sharpening device 11 cav ity from the recesses 25 containing the reaction member flanges 21. The swarf collects on the lower wall 9 of the housing 2 from which it can be easily removed when the housing 2 is separated from the mounting plate 49 and the carrier 12 is withdrawn from the housing 2.

Having now described the principal components of a preferred practical embodiment of the invention, the operation thereof is as follows.

When a knife blade 4 is not located within the scabbard passage 3 the carrier 12 is held in its uppermost position by the pressure spring as shown in FIG. 1, and in that position the reaction bar 19 bears against the housing upper wall 8 and it is preferred that relatively little or no clearance exists between the adjacent surfaces of the sharpening device 11 and that bar 19. Thus, only the tip of a knife blade 4 can be inserted into the recess 32 of the sharpening device 11 before that device is caused to move downwardly with the carrier 12 against the action of the pressure spring 10, and pressure is thereby maintained between the blade cutting edge 5 and the sharpening device 11 for substantially the whole of the blades movement into the scabbard.

As the depth or height of the blade 4 generally increases towards the heel 73 of the knife, the carrier 12 is progressively moved downwards as the blade 4 is moved longitudinally into the scabbard.

In addition, engagement between the front edge 48 of the reaction bar 19 and the blade upper edge 13, causes the reaction bar 19 to be maintained in engagement with the housing upper wall 8 as shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10. Because of the pivotal mounting of the reaction member 13, the zone of its engagement with the housing upper wall 8 progressively shifts as the depth of the blade 4 engaging the reaction bar 19 increases or decreases, and in this regard see the different positions of the bar 19 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The reaction member 13 ensures that substantially the full height of the blade 4 is located between lateral guide surfaces defined by the arms 22 and flanges 21, for at least the major part of the length of the blade 4, thereby minimizing the possibility of the blade 4 being twisted sidewards and jamming between the carrier 12 and the housing upper wall8.

The reaction member 13 has the further advantage of reducing the longitudinal force necessary to cause initial insertion of the knife blade 4 within the housing passage 3. This results from the fact that the blade 4 first bears against the reaction bar .4 at a position some distance forwardly of the pivot bosses 27, and a mechanical advantage results. That is, the upward pressure of the bar 19 against the wall 8 produces a downward reaction which is transferred through the arms 22 and flanges 21 to the bosses 27 to act on the carrier 12 in opposition to the influence of the spring 10, and that reaction force is magnified according to the longitudinal spacing between the bar 19 and theaxis of the bosses 27.

If desired, the pressure spring 10 may be arranged so that the upward force applied to the carrier 12 by the spring 10 remains substantially constant in all pivotal positions of the carrier 12. For example, the spring 10 may slidably engage an under-surface of the carrier 12 so that its zone of engagement with the carrier 12 is moved generally longitudinally of the housing 2 with pivotal movement of the carrier 12. That effect could be achieved by suitable formation of the spring 10 and the contour of the under-surface of the.carrier 12 with which it engages.

As the knife blade 4 is first inserted into the sharpening recess 32 of the sharpening device 1 1, the device 1 1 is moved about its pivot into a rearwardly tilted position as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. As withdrawal of the blade 4 is commenced the sharpening device 11 is moved about its pivot into a forwardly tilted position as shown in FIG. 10. If desired, the sharpening device 11 may be arranged to produce two different cutting angles on the knife blade 4 during insertion and withdrawal respectively,and such an arrangement ensures a fine cutting edge 5.

The guide walls 18 of the carrier 12 keep the knife blade 4 in alignment with the sharpening device 1 Land the side'flanges 21 and arms 22 of the reaction member 13 hold the blade 4 against excessive lateral tilting at the critical zone adjacent the sharpening device. If excessive pressure is applied to the knife generally-in the longitudinal direction, the cushion spring 34 acts as a compensator and minimizes the possibility of the blade -4 jamming in the sharpening recess 32. The pressure spring serves the same purpose in the event of excessive downward pressure being "applied to the knife. 1 j

Removal of the scabbard housing 2 from its 'mbuntin is effected by ap'plyinginwardly directed pressure 'to the button element 67 of the catch plate 62 asshown by arrow A in FIG. 1 1, and thereby releasing the detent bar 65 from the cooperating shoulder'63 of the catch plate 62. The housing 2 can then be lifted at the front end as shown by arrow B in FIG. 12 and drawn forward to separate the abutment surfaces 57 and 59, after which it is free for complete removal from the mounting.

The carrier l2-can be withdrawn from the housing 2 by pulling the pressure spring 10 downwards as shown by arrow C in FIG. 13, by applyingtinger pressure through the opening 43 in the housing lower wall9, although as previously mentioned such manipulation of the spring 10 is not necessary in a slightly modified embodiment (not shown). The-carrier pivot 'rib 14 is then able to drop clear of the joumal'rece'sses 15 sopermitting the carrier 12 to be moved bodily through the open front of the housing 2'in thedirection shown byarrow D in FIG. 14. Replacement of the carrier 12 is an equally simple ope'ratiomas it is only necessary to slide the carrier 12 longitudinally between the pressure spring 10 and the upper wall'8 of the housing 2until the pivot rib l4 snaps into engagement with journal recesses l5.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing preferred construction can be altered substantially without de-i parting from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the pressure means may take any one of numerous forms such as one ormore 'coil springs, an air bag, a counter-weight, magnetic means, or hydraulic means. Furthermore, the carrier may be mounted for linear movement instead of pivotal 'movement,and similar considerations apply to the sharpening-device. 'In

fact the sharpening device maybe fixed against movement relative to the carrier if sode'sired, in which event the carrier may 'fonn thes'upport block for the sharpening elements of the sharpening device.

One of the principal advantages'of'tlie'present invention is that pressure iscontinually applied between the knife blade and the sharpening'device, and that pressure cannot be released simply by manipulation of the knife as in the case of constructions according to prior application No. 25,881/70. Also, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the double pivot mounting of the sharpening device enables production of a constant cutting angle or a double cutting angle, as desired. Still further, the removability of the carrier greatly facilitates cleaning and other maintenance such as replacement of the sharpening device.

Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the constructions and arrangements of parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention.

1 claim:

1. A knife scabbard including, a hollow housing defining a knife receiving passage having an access opening at one end thereof and a remote end, a carrier member within said passageQand pivot means adjacent said remote end mounting said carrier for movement towards and away from one wall of said passage, a sharpening device mounted on said carrier at a position adjacent said opening, and separate biasing means between said carrier and said housing urging said carrier towards said one wall.

2. A knife scabbard according to claim 1, wherein a reaction member is located within said passage and has elongate knife receiving passage defined within said housing and having an access opening at one end thereof; an elongate carrier member located within said passage and having a rear end portion pivotally con nected to said housing at a position remote from said access opening, said pivotal connection having its axis extending transverse to said passage to allow said carrier member to be pivoted towards and away from a side wall of said passage; a sharpening device mounted on 'a front end portion of the carrier member for engagement by a knife blade inserted into said passage between said wall and said carrier member; guide means located within said passage adjacent said access opening and operative to minimize lateral tilting movement of a knife blade located within said passage; and

biasing means urging said carrier member about its pivot towards said wall.

A knife scabbard according to claim 3," wherein said guide 'means includes two laterally spaced guide surfaces, each of which is located on a respective side of a knife blade located within said passage, and said and said reaction member cooperates with said carrier member so as to apply a force thereto in opposition to the influence of said biasing means when said reaction member part is urged against said wall, at least during initial insertion of said knife blade into said passage.

6. A knife scabbard including; a hollow housing; an elongate knife receiving passage defined within said housing and having an access opening at a front end thereof; an'elongate carrier member located within said passage and having a rear end portion pivotally connected to said housing at a position remote from said access opening, said pivotal connection having its axis extending transverse to said passage to allow said carrier member to be pivoted towards and away from a side wall of said passage; a sharpening device mounted on a front end portion of said carrier member for engagement by a knife blade inserted into said passage between said wall and said carrier member; biasing means urging said carrier member about its pivot towards said wall into a rest position; and a reaction member pivotally mounted on said carrier member so that part thereof is interposed between said front end portion of said carrier member and said wall and is located forwardly of the pivotal mounting of said reaction member, at least when said carrier member is in said rest position; whereby said reaction member part is engageable by a knife blade inserted into said passage and engaging said sharpening device so as to react between said wall and said carrier member and create a force on the carrier member in opposition to the influence of said biasing means, at least during initial inser tion of said blade into said passage.

7. A knife scabbard including; a hollow housing; an elongate knife receiving passage defined within said housing and having an access opening at a front end thereof; an elongate carrier member located within said passage and having a rear end portion pivotally connected to said housing at a position remote from said access opening, said pivotal connection having its axis extending transverse to said passage to allow said carrier member to be pivoted towards and away from a side wall of said passage; a sharpening device mounted on a front end portion of said carrier member for engagement by a knife blade inserted into said passage between said wall and said carrier member; biasing means urging said carrier member about its pivot towards said wall into a rest position; a latch member pivotally mounted on said carrier member and having a reaction part interposed between said front end portion of said carrier member and said passage wall and located forwardly of the pivotal mounting of said latch member, at least when said carrier member is in said rest position, the pivotal axis of said latch member being substantially parallel to the pivotal axis of said carrier member, and said reaction part slidably engages said passage wall so as to be movable rearwardly of said passage when engaged by a knife blade inserted into said passage; and a pair of guide surfaces formed on said latch member, extending between said reaction part and the pivotal mounting of the latch member, and being spaced to provide lateral support for a knife blade inserted therebetween.

8. A knife scabbard according to claim 7, wherein said pivotal connection betweensaid carrier member and said housing includes a part cylindrical rib formed on said carrier member and extending transverse thereof, and at least one recess formed within said housing and being open in a direction away from said passage wall; said rib being releasably retained in said recess by the influence of said biasing means; and said carrier member being adapted to be withdrawn out of said housing through said access opening when said rib is disengaged from said recess.

9. A knife scabbard according to claim 7, wherein said sharpening device includes a support block mounted on said carrier member for pivotal movement about an axis extending substantially parallel to the carrier member axis, and sharpening elements carried by said support block for engaging with and sharpening the cutting edge of a knife blade; and stop means is provided to limit the degree of pivotal movement of said support block relative to said carrier member.

10. A knife scabbard according to claim 9, wherein said stop means includes a leaf spring dependent from said support block, and a pair of reaction surfaces formed on said carrier member and being spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of that member; said leaf spring engaging a respective said reaction surface in each of the extreme pivotal positions of said support block relative to said carrier member.

11. A knife scabbard according to claim 7, wherein said housing is releasably connectable to a mounting plate by a sloping abutment surface provided adjacent the rear end of said housing and being cooperable with a complementary surface of said mounting plate, and a detent member flexibly attached to the front end of said housing for snap engagement with a part attached to said mounting plate. 

1. A knife scabbard including, a hollow housing defining a knife receiving passage having an access opening at one end thereof and a remote end, a carrier member within said passage, and pivot means adjacent said remote end mounting said carrier for movement towards and away from one wall of said passage, a sharpening device mounted on said carrier at a position adjacent said opening, and separate biasing means between said carrier and said housing urging said carrier towards said one wall.
 2. A knife scabbard according to claim 1, wherein a reaction member is located within said passage and has a part located between said one wall of the passage and said carrier member for engagement by a knife blade inserted into said passage between said carrier member and said passage one wall and to be thereby urged against said one wall; and said reaction member cooperates with said carrier member so as to apply a force thereto in opposition to the influence of said biasing means when said reaction member part is urged against said one wall, at least during initial insertion of said knife blade into said passage.
 3. A knife scabbard including; a hollow housing; an elongate knife receiving passage defined within said housing and having an access opening at one end thereof; an elongate carrier member located within said passage and having a rear end portion pivotally connected to said housing at a position remote from said access opening, said pivotal connection having its axis extending transverse to said passage to allow said carrier member to be pivoted towards and away from a side wall of said passage; a sharpening device mounted on a front end portion of the carrier member for engagement by a knife blade inserted into said passage between said wall and said carrier member; guide means located within said passage adjacent said access opening and operative to minimize lateral tilting movement of a knife blade located within said passage; and biasing means urging said carrier member about its pivot towards said wall.
 4. A knife scabbard according to claim 3, wherein said guide means includes two laterally spaced guide surfaces, each of which is located on a respective side of a knife blade located within said passage, and said surfaces extend substantially the full height of that part of the said blade which is at any time located between said surfaces.
 5. A knife scabbard according to claim 3, wherein a reaction member is located within said passage and has a part located between said passage wall and said carrier member for engagement by a knife blade inserted into said passage between said carrier member and said passage wall and to be thereby urged against said wall; and said reaction member cooperates with said carrier member so as to apply a force thereto in opposition to the influence of said biasing means when said reaction member part is urged against said wall, at least during initial insertion of said knife blade into said passage.
 6. A knife scabbard including; a hollow housing; an elongate knife receiving passage defined within said housing and having an access opening at a front end thereof; an elongate carrier member located within said passage and having a rear end portion pivotally connected to said housing at a posiTion remote from said access opening, said pivotal connection having its axis extending transverse to said passage to allow said carrier member to be pivoted towards and away from a side wall of said passage; a sharpening device mounted on a front end portion of said carrier member for engagement by a knife blade inserted into said passage between said wall and said carrier member; biasing means urging said carrier member about its pivot towards said wall into a rest position; and a reaction member pivotally mounted on said carrier member so that part thereof is interposed between said front end portion of said carrier member and said wall and is located forwardly of the pivotal mounting of said reaction member, at least when said carrier member is in said rest position; whereby said reaction member part is engageable by a knife blade inserted into said passage and engaging said sharpening device so as to react between said wall and said carrier member and create a force on the carrier member in opposition to the influence of said biasing means, at least during initial insertion of said blade into said passage.
 7. A knife scabbard including; a hollow housing; an elongate knife receiving passage defined within said housing and having an access opening at a front end thereof; an elongate carrier member located within said passage and having a rear end portion pivotally connected to said housing at a position remote from said access opening, said pivotal connection having its axis extending transverse to said passage to allow said carrier member to be pivoted towards and away from a side wall of said passage; a sharpening device mounted on a front end portion of said carrier member for engagement by a knife blade inserted into said passage between said wall and said carrier member; biasing means urging said carrier member about its pivot towards said wall into a rest position; a latch member pivotally mounted on said carrier member and having a reaction part interposed between said front end portion of said carrier member and said passage wall and located forwardly of the pivotal mounting of said latch member, at least when said carrier member is in said rest position, the pivotal axis of said latch member being substantially parallel to the pivotal axis of said carrier member, and said reaction part slidably engages said passage wall so as to be movable rearwardly of said passage when engaged by a knife blade inserted into said passage; and a pair of guide surfaces formed on said latch member, extending between said reaction part and the pivotal mounting of the latch member, and being spaced to provide lateral support for a knife blade inserted therebetween.
 8. A knife scabbard according to claim 7, wherein said pivotal connection between said carrier member and said housing includes a part cylindrical rib formed on said carrier member and extending transverse thereof, and at least one recess formed within said housing and being open in a direction away from said passage wall; said rib being releasably retained in said recess by the influence of said biasing means; and said carrier member being adapted to be withdrawn out of said housing through said access opening when said rib is disengaged from said recess.
 9. A knife scabbard according to claim 7, wherein said sharpening device includes a support block mounted on said carrier member for pivotal movement about an axis extending substantially parallel to the carrier member axis, and sharpening elements carried by said support block for engaging with and sharpening the cutting edge of a knife blade; and stop means is provided to limit the degree of pivotal movement of said support block relative to said carrier member.
 10. A knife scabbard according to claim 9, wherein said stop means includes a leaf spring dependent from said support block, and a pair of reaction surfaces formed on said carrier member and being spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of that member; said leaf spring engaging a respective said reactioN surface in each of the extreme pivotal positions of said support block relative to said carrier member.
 11. A knife scabbard according to claim 7, wherein said housing is releasably connectable to a mounting plate by a sloping abutment surface provided adjacent the rear end of said housing and being cooperable with a complementary surface of said mounting plate, and a detent member flexibly attached to the front end of said housing for snap engagement with a part attached to said mounting plate. 